Michael F. Allard

Born in Franconia, N.H., he moved to Brewster at the age of 3. During his early years he helped his parents, who owned Allard Nursery, and he later formed his own company, Allard Construction.

An avid volunteer, he was a member of the Orleans-Eastham Elks (voted Elk of the year in 2001), Coast Guard Auxiliary, Orleans Rotary Club (recipient of the Paul Harris Award in 1987), and Nauset Together We Can.

Mike is best known for his leadership of the Nauset Sea Scouts, an organization he joined in 1966 and guided for over 30 years after becoming skipper in 1977. Over the years Mike led the Scouts on many adventures: from climbing to the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine to sailing the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, or cruising the coastline of the Northeast from Bar Harbor, Maine to New York City. A few notable highlights included participating in the Tall Ships in both Boston and New York as the only Sea Explorer troop.

"Captain" Mike enjoyed sailing and cooking; his true love and passion, however, was serving as a mentor to local area youth. Throughout his Scouting career Mike provided opportunities and learning experiences for hundreds of kids both locally and from around New England. Mike's greatest pride was seeing the successes enjoyed by former Scouts who had gone through the program.

In 1997, he was predeceased by his wife Karen of 20 years. He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Allard of Orleans, and son Peter Allard of Brewster. He also leaves his mother, Virginia Allard of Brewster; and four brothers, Robert, Stephen, John and his wife Tracey of Brewster, and Brian and his wife Meg of Orleans.

Surviving in-laws include Nancy Tellier and her husband John of Florida, Bill Staib and his wife Mary Jo of New Hampshire, Sally Karpp and her husband Rob of Hamilton, and Susan Keefe and her husband Dan of Dennis. Mike also leaves many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans. There will be a private funeral and burial at sea.